The so-called “Marketplace Fairness Act” now racing through Congress would effectively impose a tax on Internet sales. Specifically, it would authorize individual states to compel online and catalog retailers, no matter where they are located, to collect taxes at the time of a sale at the rate applicable to the buyer’s location and to remit those taxes to the local taxing authorities. As the legislation’s title implies, its proponents insist that it is only “fair” to tax sales by online, catalog, and brick-and-mortar retailers the same; otherwise, they say, brick-and-mortar sales will suffer in comparison and states will lose badly-needed revenue. Opponents say that brick-and-mortar stores can and already do also make Internet sales, that an online tax would impose burdens that do not apply to brick-and-mortar stores that sell to out-of-state residents, that the costs of compliance would be unmanageable, and that that a tax on Internet sales is just another revenue grab that will lead to bigger government and slower economic growth.

What say you? Come join the debate!As always, this tavern debate is an audience participation event, with potential speakers (a/k/a attendees) being provided food and a variety of libations for almost any taste or temperament.

Registration details:

5:30 p.m. Reception6:00 p.m. Gavel Drops(Note: building security may not let you in after 6:00 p.m., so don’t be late)

Cost:$25 if paid in advance, $35 at the door$20 for students (ID required)($25 at the door with current Federalist Society membership card or Student ID in hand)